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Ascend to new heights with the top incline trainer and let the 32-inch HD touchscreen transport you to the mountaintop of your dreams. Continue reading this review of the NordicTrack X32i Incline Treadmill to learn all about its 40% incline and cinematic screen size.
Updated: April 8, 2024
In this review of the NordicTrack X32i Incline Treadmill, you will learn all about the top treadmill from NordicTrack, one of the titans in the home treadmill industry. The X32i is a phenomenal machine with an incline range of -6% to 40%, matched only by its counterpart, the X22i. The touchscreen display is 32 inches, a luxuriant size for a treadmill screen. It brings the action right to you as you follow iFIT trainers along impressive trails around the world. The X32i may have the capabilities to deliver a killer workout, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort. The deck is one of the best cushioned decks we have tested.
The NordicTrack X32i has a steel frame. The uprights are uniquely curved to provide better stability for the very large touchscreen. The X32i has incline handles and large side handles for supporting you however high the incline goes. There is also a support bar in front of the screen. The frame shakes a decent amount while running at an incline. It seems to be caused by how large the screen is since the X22i does not have the same issue. The X32i might benefit from a crossbar for added support between its uprights. Thankfully, the shake minimally interferes with the treadmill’s performance.
The X32i has a powerful 4.25 CHP motor. This motor size should be sufficient for powering all of the X32i’s training capabilities, so you can push your limits with the speed and incline settings if you want. The motor is strong enough to support long-distance running and a household with more than one treadmill user.
The NordicTrack X32i has a large running surface measuring 22 inches by 65 inches. When the treadmill is at a neutral grade, I definitely noticed the extra room. The motor is located beneath the running deck, so you never have to worry about hitting the motor hood. In fact, the extra running space at the front of the treadmill reduces almost any chance you might have of hitting the tiny edge.
The deck is extremely well cushioned. There is so much give to the deck that it feels like you are bouncing along. I was really impressed by what the X32i has to offer. Admittedly, the bounce does not make that 40% any easier. You will still get a tough workout in on the X32i.
The X32i does not fold, so it will need a dedicated space in your home. The treadmill is very large and heavy, and NordicTrack recommends that two or three people move the machine together if it does need to be relocated. I highly recommend keeping the X32i in a permanent location. The machine needs to be tilted onto its two front transport wheels for relocation, but it won’t be practical for most people. The X32i is best for users with a designated space in their home for their cardio equipment.
The NordicTrack X32i is the top incline trainer thanks to its -6% to 40% range. Only its counterpart, the NordicTrack X22i, matches its insane training potential. This is the treadmill for training for your next summit. This series is my favorite for trail runners and hikers, as no other treadmill is going to replicate the intense terrain you might encounter in the real world as well as the X32i.
The X32i does limit the maximum speed you can run at the top of the incline. The treadmill does decrease the maximum allowable speed once the incline increases over 15.5% or decreases below 0%. For the most part, I felt that the speed was still challenging enough for me while running at the incline. I did feel like I could have run faster on the decline, but I also understand the reason NordicTrack limited the speed. It does make the treadmill safer. Overall, the speed limitations should not create an issue for the majority of users.
The NordicTrack X32i is a premium treadmill. As such, it comes with many smart features to make your workout fun and smooth rolling. Most of the features are centered on creating immersive workouts paired with the subscription-based iFIT training service. From the audio to the visuals, the X32i is a top-notch treadmill.
The console is dominated by the 32-inch touchscreen. All the other features are either a part of the screen, pushed to the sides, or relegated to the back of the screen. The X32i is truly for the treadmill user looking to maximize their viewing experience. There is little room for much else, but I am happy with what NordicTrack managed to provide on the rest of the console.
There are OneTouch buttons vertically stacked on either side of the display. There is not nearly enough room for each number between -6 and 40, but you have a pretty good selection to jump from one incline level to the next. The speed range is fully represented, so you don’t have to worry about those buttons skipping your ideal speed.
For a more precise speed or incline selection, the NordicTrack X32i has arrow and plus/minus buttons located at the bottom of the console. These buttons change the speed by 0.1 mph and the incline by 0.5%. There are also buttons for increasing/decreasing the fan and speaker strength. Finally, you have the start and stop buttons and the safety key. The buttons near the bottom of the console can be a bit harder to reach, simply because the stability bar is in front of the console. They are accessible, but may not be the easiest to use during an activity. Fortunately, there are onscreen alternatives to these buttons that may be more accessible for some users.
The NordicTrack X32i is named, in part, for its extremely large touchscreen. The screen is almost too big, in my opinion. The graphics are a bit more crisp on the X22i, but the X32i provides a cinematic experience like no other. The screen could pass as a portal to one of iFIT’s global film locations. It is easy to lose yourself in the onscreen content, because the picture fills most of your vision.
The touchscreen is very responsive and easy to navigate. I never had to worry about hitting the right button, because the screen is so large, they are hard to miss. The touchscreen is easy to use even if you sweat a lot during your workout.
The cup holders sit behind the screen. There are two cupholders, which can hold a decent size water bottle or your phone. There aren’t any other storage compartments, so you can’t watch content easily from your phone. I appreciate that NordicTrack included cupholders, but they are not the easiest to reach.
The fan is effective at cooling you off. It has the AutoBreeze function like most of NordicTrack’s other treadmills. This feature allows the fan speed to match your effort level. For instance, a faster speed means a stronger fan setting and vice versa.
The speakers are loud and front-facing, so you can easily hear the iFIT audio. The iFIT trainer’s volume and the music (provided by Feed.fm radio) can be controlled separately, allowing you to hear more of one or the other. If the speakers are insufficient, iFIT also offers closed captioning.
If you want to train a bit more quietly, you can pair Bluetooth headphones with the X32i. The process is really simple. Once your device is in pairing mode, identify it from the Bluetooth settings menu, accessible from the iFIT home screen or within a workout. There is a Bluetooth button on the speakers, but you do not have to press this button to pair your audio device. It will bring up the pairing screen if you need to access it quickly.
Bluetooth also permits users to pair compatible heart rate monitors for more specialized training. Not all heart rate monitors are compatible with the X32i, but you can purchase a compatible one directly from NordicTrack
The NordicTrack X32i is a treadmill that you hear about and immediately want to try. A giant screen plus an incline range of -6% to 40%? Count me in! The actual experience of using the X32i lives up to the expectation. The screen is treadmill running meets IMAX. iFIT’s content comes to life on this treadmill, and I can’t help thinking that this is what all of NordicTrack’s other treadmills were trying to achieve.
The incline is extreme. Of course, nobody will make you try the 40% maximum, but it is hard to resist. I have run up many steep trails in my running career, but a 40% grade is a new one for me. It is difficult to sustain a fast pace for long, and I was frequently thankful for the incline handles’ support. The deck is long enough that you don’t feel like you are going to run out of room. One difference between the NordicTrack X32i and hiking/running on trails is the lack of traction. The belt is pretty nice, but the maximum incline is really going to push it to the limits. I recommend choosing shoes that have a fully rubberized sole on them, so you can feel more stable. I never experienced any slipping, but I think having decent athletic shoes on will give you more peace of mind. Besides, the X32i is going to put you through the ringer, so you will want to be geared up for the workout.
The X32i is not just a hardcore workout. It is also a very well cushioned treadmill. For runners or walkers who want to reduce the impact on their bodies, the X32i is a great choice. It would be as good for recovery as it is for an intense interval workout. The X32i is a great treadmill for testing your limits. Can you go farther? Faster? Climb more elevation in a single workout? I feel really comfortable testing my limits and reaching new goals on the X32i.
iFIT provides all of the onscreen content for the NordicTrack X32i Incline Treadmill. iFIT is the perfect complement to the X32i, because one of its top features is the ability to automatically adjust the incline to match the real-life terrain. Admittedly, there are not a ton of popular routes that make use of the entire incline range, but there are a few. They are super fun, and I like that iFIT lets you train alongside professional coaches as they lead you through a beautiful vista.
iFIT offers a lot of features with just one subscription. You can add other iFIT-enabled cardio equipment, so there is tons of training content whether you like to bike, row, or elliptical. There is also off-equipment training, which allows iFIT to almost replace your gym subscription. With just a few free weights, you can conquer one of iFIT’s strength training workouts to supplement your cardio routine. You can also try a yoga or meditation class. iFIT has a lot of training options, which you can view on the X32i’s giant screen or any smart devices that support the iFIT app.
The content is great, but no workout is complete without music. Music can be a powerful motivator. Many runners like to find that music helps them work harder and find the right tempo. iFIT supports Feed.fm radio which offers genre and decades stations. These radio stations are regularly updated, so you have a current selection of songs. The music could be more expansive if iFIT supported a third-party service like Spotify, but overall, I like Feed.fm’s selection. Most users should be able to find something they enjoy.
iFIT has so many features, it is hard to go over all of them. You can create training routes almost anywhere in the world with the Google Maps integration, join challenges or training series, and so much more. iFIT learns your fitness level as you train to give you better training recommendations and speed/incline settings during your workouts. The NordicTrack X32i is a great way to start a fitness journey or to enhance the journey you are already on.
The NordicTrack X32i is usable without an iFIT subscription. Most of the screen’s functionality is behind the monthly paywall, so the treadmill works best with an active subscription. That said, exercisers can train in manual activity mode without a subscription or internet access. While in a manual activity, you can view all of your metrics while looking at a progress bar loading around a 400-meter track. With an internet connection, you can access a limited range of iFIT-featured content and onboard workouts.
The NordicTrack X32i Incline Treadmill is a beast. It deserves a designated spot in your home, because it does not fold up and is too heavy to move around regularly. Yet, its impressive incline range and touchscreen display make it a tempting choice. The X32i is a very expensive treadmill, but it justifies its price tag with premium features, like its ultra-cushioned deck. The X32i has a large running deck and a powerful motor, which will keep every runner comfortable and safe. Trail runners, hikers, or athletes who want the best of the best will love the NordicTrack X32i and iFIT’s spectacular training content.
